Wellington dairy employee attacked with hammer

Wellington dairy employee attacked with hammer

Police are investigating an incident in Wellington last night where a dairy store employee was bashed with a hammer during a robbery.

Detective Sergeant Martin Todd says at about 7.00pm, the 48 year-old victim was working in the Hankey Street Food Market, Hankey Street, Wellington, when a man walked into the store wearing a disguise.

"The man walked towards the store employee and a struggle between the two began behind the counter. The victim was hit in the head and upper body with the hammer multiple times. The man took cigarettes and cash before running from the store."

Detective Sergeant Todd says once outside the shop, the offender turned left running down Hopper Street, where he passed two males who later spoke to the victim."

Detective Sergeant Todd says the victim was knocked to the ground during the attack and received moderate injuries to his head and torso area.

"It was a vicious attack, especially as a hammer was used to attack the victim. We hope that the public can assist in identifying the person involved."

He says, "Police are appealing for any witnesses to the attack or any suspicious activity around the time of the incident. We are interested in hearing from the two males who the offender ran past on Hopper Street."

The offender is described as a Maori or Polynesian male, aged 20 years old, about 165 centimetres tall of stocky build with short black hair. He was wearing a black puffer type bomber jacket and black jeans.

Anyone with information should contact Wellington CIB on Tel: (04) 496 3454 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS